4 Things to Look for in a Spray Tan System

A spray tan system is an investment, and one that can pay off for years. That means that choosing the right one makes a big difference. Here are four things to look for to make sure you get a spray tan system you’re happy with:

• Speed. One of the top things to look for in any spray tan system, whether for salon use or personal use, is speed and efficiency. Over the years many spray tan systems have been developed that reduce the amount of time it takes to get a perfect bronze tan, and yet all too many airbrush tanners still take 20 minutes, 30 minutes or more to get the job done. This makes getting a tan inconvenient when it really should be something you can do at your leisure, whenever you have a few spare minutes. A good, modern spray tanning machine should be able to get full, even coverage in just 6-7 minutes. That means a perfect tan is something you can get on demand, even the morning of a big event. Speed is a must.

Low Overspray. Overspray refers to an airbrush’s tendency to mist not just the skin, but the area around the skin as well. Overspray has serious downsides, the most important of which is wasted tanning solution. Another side effect of overspray is that cleanup can be more difficult. Altogether that means a messy machine costs more in both time and money. Some amount of overspray is unavoidable with any air brush machine, no matter how high quality it is. But the best machines have carefully engineered nozzles that minimize overspray and keep the tanning solution aimed where it should be—on the person getting the tan. This means more even coverage, less wasted tanning solution and an easier cleanup afterward.

Portability. If you have a spray tanning machine chances are good that you will need to move it. Many people find themselves taking their machine from home to home on house calls, or between multiple professional locations. Even within a salon, it’s good to be able to move the machine out of the way when it’s not in use. That means a more portable machine is a bonus. Weight is the biggest factor in how portable your tanning system is, so get a light one if possible.

Cost. Of course, cost is a major factor in what machine to buy. Remember that even some of the best machines are affordably priced. Don’t fall for the idea that a higher price tag means better quality—look carefully at the features it offers. While the cheapest machines may not perform well, there are many mid-range options that will truly shine.